Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church

History

Founded in 1858 with just 14 residents and a mission to establish a Lutheran church in Omaha, Kountze Memorial has grown and evolved to become a beacon of hope, love, and service to the community. The church’s early beginnings paved the way for a series of community partnerships, allowing for the establishment of numerous satellite churches and Sunday School Missions throughout Omaha. True to its mission of spreading Christ’s love, the church has continually sought innovative ways to reach out to the community. Alongside regular traditional Lutheran worship, Kountze Memorial offers services, including a weekly food pantry, a free healing medical clinic, and counseling services through Lutheran Family Services Counseling, all of which reflect the church’s unwavering commitment to serve and care for those in need and in search of Christ’s love. With its rich history of faithful ministry and dedication to service, Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church looks forward to continuing to grow into Christ’s calling and serving its neighbors with love and compassion.

Cool Timeline

1887
1887 | General Synod Convention
1887 | General Synod Convention

The 33rd Biennial Convention of the General Synod is held from June 1-13 at Kountze Memorial, bringing pastors and lay people from around the country to Omaha. This was the first National Synod Convention held west of the Missouri River.

1888
1888 | The Helping Hand Society

Mrs. Allen Koch organizes the Helping Hand Society following the disbanding of the Ladies Aid Society. This organization would later become the Women of the ELCA.

1889
1889 | Grace Lutheran Church
1889 | Grace Lutheran Church

Grace Lutheran, 1326 S. 26th, is founded as the second satellite church of Kountze Memorial by Luther Melancthon Kuhns, the first Nebraska-born Lutheran minister and son of Rev. Henry Kuhns. Rev. Luther Kuhns is the first of more than 20 known members of Kountze Memorial to enter the ministry.